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Tamil Nadu Votes April 23 in Single-Phase 2026 Assembly Election

The Election Commission has announced a single-phase election for Tamil Nadu's 234-member Assembly on April 23, 2026, with vote counting scheduled for May 4. The Model Code of Conduct is now in effect, with the nomination process set to conclude by April 9. The main contest is between the incumbent DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance. Actor Vijay will make his political debut in this election with his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party.

Key Points: Tamil Nadu 2026 Assembly Election Date: April 23 Voting

  • Single-phase voting on April 23
  • Counting of votes on May 4
  • Key contest: DMK-led SPA vs AIADMK-led NDA
  • Actor Vijay's political debut with TVK
2 min read

Assembly elections 2026: Tamil Nadu heads for single-phase voting on April 23; counting on May 4

Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on April 23, 2026. Single-phase voting, counting May 4. Key contest between DMK-led SPA and AIADMK-led NDA.

"The Model Code of Conduct comes into effect immediately - Election Commission"

New Delhi, March 15

The Election Commission of India on Sunday announced that Tamil Nadu will go to polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4.

The Model Code of Conduct comes into effect immediately, initiating the election process for the 234-member State Assembly, whose current tenure ends on May 10, 2026.

Addressing a press conference in the national capital, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated that the last date for filing nominations is April 6. Scrutiny of nominations will be held on April 7, and the final date for withdrawal of candidatures is April 9.

Voting will take place across 2.19 lakh polling stations in four states and one Union Territory, with 25 lakh election officials deployed.

According to the final electoral roll for Tamil Nadu, the total electorate stands at 5,67,07,380, comprising 2,77,38,925 male voters, 2,89,60,838 female voters, and 7,617 third-gender voters. Among them, 12.51 lakh are aged 18-19 years, 4.63 lakh are persons with disabilities, and 3.99 lakh are senior citizens aged 85 and above. The ECI revised the electoral rolls in the state between October 27, 2025, and February 23, 2026, taking January 1 as the qualifying date.

The main electoral contest is expected between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), which includes Congress, DMDK, and other parties, and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) with BJP and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) as allies. Actor-turned-politician Vijay is set to make his political debut in this election with his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

Elections to the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly was last held in the State on April 6, 2021 in a single phase with a voter turnout of 73.63%. Votes were counted on May 2, 2021.

The DMK ended the decade-long rule of the AIADMK, and MK Stalin was sworn in as the 12th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

The DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) secured 159 seats, including 133 for the DMK, marking an absolute majority for the first time in 25 years. The NDA won 75 seats, with 66 for AIADMK.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Rajesh Q
The real test for DMK's performance and AIADMK's comeback. But honestly, the entry of Vijay's TVK is the X-factor. Tamil Nadu politics always has a surprise from the film world. 🎬 Will be interesting to see if he cuts into the vote share of the major alliances.
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Arun Y
Good to see the detailed electoral roll data, especially the inclusion of 7,600+ third-gender voters. It shows progress. However, I hope the ECI ensures that polling stations are truly accessible for the 4.63 lakh persons with disabilities. Announcements are one thing, ground reality is another.
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Michael C
Watching from abroad. Tamil Nadu's elections are always a high-stakes affair. The deployment of 25 lakh officials is staggering. Hope the process is smooth and the mandate is clear for stable governance. The economic policies of the winning alliance will be crucial for India's growth.
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Swati Y
As a Tamilian, my only request to all parties: please focus on real issues - water management, industrial growth, and quality education. Less drama, more development. We've seen both DMK and AIADMK rule. Time for them to show their report card to the people.
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Karthik V
The Model Code of Conduct starts now! Good. Need a break from the endless advertisements and promises. Let's have a clean, issue-based campaign. Also, respect to the ECI for the detailed planning. 2.19 lakh polling stations is no small task. Jai Hind!

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